The IRIS Dena Incident: An Unwanted Involvement for India

Overview of the IRIS Dena Incident

The Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, made its last stop at the Hambantota deep-sea port in Sri Lanka after departing from Indian waters. However, following the tragic sinking of the ship, India found itself unexpectedly drawn into a complex geopolitical discussion. On March 4, 2026, the IRIS Dena was torpedoed by an American submarine off Sri Lanka's southern coast, resulting in the loss of 87 lives. This incident marked a significant escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran, a conflict that has been brewing for years and does not involve India directly.

In the aftermath, attention shifted towards India, primarily because the IRIS Dena had recently participated in the MILAN naval exercise hosted by India in Visakhapatnam. The timeline of events is crucial to understanding India's position. The sea phase of MILAN 2026 concluded on February 24, and the IRIS Dena left Indian waters the next day, stopping at Hambantota before spending over a week in international waters. Just three days after the MILAN exercise, military operations against Iran were initiated by the United States and Israel. The IRIS Dena was sunk eight days post-exercise, raising questions about India's maritime responsibilities, which, under international law, ceased once the vessel left Indian territorial waters.

The MILAN Exercise and Its Implications

MILAN is a significant multinational maritime exercise organized by the Indian Navy since 1995, with the 2026 edition seeing participation from 74 nations, including both Iran and the United States. The attack on the IRIS Dena fell under the jurisdiction of the Marine Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, which responded appropriately. Upon learning of the incident, the Indian Navy activated its assets for search and rescue operations.

A critical yet often overlooked question arises: why was an Iranian warship present in those waters for eight days while the U.S. was engaged in active hostilities with Iran? The IRIS Dena was a military vessel, making it a legitimate target in the context of warfare, regardless of its location. Historical precedents show that naval conflicts extend beyond territorial waters, and vessels from warring nations are considered fair game on the high seas.

Disproportionate Reactions and Geopolitical Accountability

This incident highlights a troubling disparity in international reactions. Reports indicate that over twenty Iranian vessels have been targeted by U.S. forces during this conflict, yet those incidents received minimal global attention. In contrast, the sinking of the IRIS Dena, due to its tenuous connection to India, garnered significant media coverage and diplomatic statements. This discrepancy is not coincidental, and India must recognize the implications.

One could argue that had the IRIS Dena launched an attack against U.S. assets after spending those eight days in international waters, the narrative would have shifted dramatically, with India being blamed for providing operational cover. Such selective reasoning is unjustifiable and should not be applied only when it serves a particular agenda.

Conclusion: The Importance of MILAN

It is essential to acknowledge the tragic loss of 87 lives in this incident. However, it is crucial to separate grief from geopolitical accountability. India hosted a multilateral exercise, and a participating vessel chose to enter a conflict zone, resulting in its sinking by an adversary already engaged in war. The chain of responsibility does not extend to New Delhi.

The MILAN exercise has been developed over decades as a platform for fostering cooperation, trust, and maritime stability. Allowing it to be overshadowed by the Iran-U.S. conflict would undermine not only India's efforts but also the contributions of all nations involved.